JACKSON, TN – Jackson State's Javion Hannah hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime as the Green Jays defeated Walters State on Saturday evening, 82-81.
With the loss, Walters State falls to 11-8 on the season and 4-5 in TCCAA play.
The Senators were led by Ronnie Thompson Jr. with 17 points off the bench. Along with Thompson, Josh Jerome and Riley Cooper added 16 points each.
Other scorers for Walters State were Deovaunta Williams with 11 points, Izaiha Bredwood with 10, Jared Carter with nine and Ty Hurst with two.
It was a strong start for Walters State as they broke out to an 8-3 lead early. Jerome, Cooper, Williams and Bredwood all scored during the start.
Jackson State would tie the game at eight and the two teams would battle from there until, at 12-12, the Senators went on a 9-2 run to go up 21-14. Thompson, Jerome, Bredwood and Carter all scored during that stretch.
Jackson State would climb back into it and take a 34-33 lead before Williams and Carter scored to end the half and gave the Senators a 37-34 lead.
In the second half, the battle continued. Walters State built up a 64-58 lead with 5:25 to go thanks to Thompson and Cooper. However, Jackson answered and took the lead 65-64 with 2:31 left before Jerome gave the lead back to Walters State with a basket.
Jackson State tied the game back up, but Cooper was there for the Senators converting an and-one that made it 69-66 with a minute to go. Jackson State made a jumper following a timeout but Cooper answered again with a basket and it was 71-68.
However, the Green Jays' Julian Hibbler hit a 3-pointer with 10 seconds to go to send the game to overtime.
In overtime, Jackson State jumped out quickly to a 76-71 lead before Thompson hit a much-needed 3-pointer. The lead was 77-74 in favor of Jackson State before Cooper scored and Hurst scored with 1:16 left that gave Walters State the lead. Thompson then made a jumper that made it 80-77.
After a Jackson State jumper made it a one-point game, Williams was fouled and made one free throw. But Hannah drilled the game-winning 3-pointer for Jackson State.
Up Next:
Walters State will be back in action on Wednesday when they travel to take on Chattanooga State. Tip is set for 7:30 p.m.
Rob Harvey
Walters State Community College
Sports Information Director
Cell: (423) 779-8880
Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu
Website: www.ws.edu/athletics